Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
In the Gospel reading today, Jesus highlights some important facets of living in right relationship with one another as members of the human family. If someone sins against us, if someone hurts us or wounds us or offends us in some way, we are to go and talk with them one-on-one about the hurt that we have received with an intentionality of really and truly desiring catharsis and reconciliation. It is significant to recognize, however, that the second part of Christ’s exhortation to live in right relationship involves His promise to grant the intentions of those who pray with others in unity of heart and mind. The importance of living in right relationship with our sisters and brothers ladders up to our ability to live in right relationship with God.
It can be tempting at times to want to jump ahead to consequences for others, especially when we feel that we’ve been personally wronged. It is critical to understand, however, that not only is it our duty but it truly is in our best interests to do anything and everything in our power to heal those instances of real and perceived hurts that occur between ourselves and our sisters and brothers. When others do or say things that wound us, are we willing to make ourselves vulnerable and approach them directly with a spirit of charity that is truly desirous of their happiness, their love, and their overall good?